Some weddings just stick with you in the best of ways. Although I wasn’t personally at Swami and James’ wedding at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie (Debbie from the Sweet Alice Studios team gorgeously photographed their big day!), I still think about their wedding journey with us often. The team and I loved them, and their sweet cat Millie, from the moment we met them.
THE COUPLE
Swami and James first reached out to ask us about photographing their wedding day about a year out from their date. Their inquiry was so adorable, honest, and open - and referenced that they were excited to work with us, not just because of the work we do, but because we are all animal lovers (this business was named after my cat, Alice, after all!), and they wanted to include their cat Millie in all of their wedding plans.
Millie is such a funny little character, and joined Swami and James at both their engagement session and their wedding. 😻
THE VENUE
The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, NY boasts two different locations to host your ceremony and subsequent reception - both ceremony locations are outside, but you can choose to host your reception in either an indoor ballroom or outdoor tent. Swami and James chose to host their wedding on the tented side of the venue, and although they originally planned to have an outdoor ceremony, a quick-moving thunderstorm moved them inside. But before this happened, they were able to take some beautiful photos near the water and in the space surrounding the outdoor patio.
THE DETAILS
Swami and James’ details were some of my favorites ever - focusing on bright and celebratory colors and florals. Swami’s veil was even embroidered with colorful flowers! If you’re someone who loves color, I always recommend embracing it for your wedding day - the vibrancy always pops in photos, and gives them just a little extra visual interest.
THE RECEPTION
I loved reviewing and editing the photos from Swami and James’ reception. It looked like the best, most festive and exciting party. Even though I wasn’t there, it felt like I was there, which was a gift, and also a testament to how wonderful the Sweet Alice Studios team really is.
Swami and James, we love ya always and forever.
FROM THE COUPLE
"If you are looking for a photography team that makes you feel more like a friend than a client, then Sweet Alice is the purrrfect match! From our first meeting with Erica, the nerves and pressure we felt about selecting the ‘right’ photographer immediately vanished! Our conversation felt so genuine and comfortable because Erica took the time to get to know us as a couple and really understand our vision. She was there for us every step of the way.
We had the pleasure of meeting Debbie, our lead photographer, for our engagement session, and she was just as supportive and kind. We were not really sure how we'd feel in front of the camera, but she made it fun and enjoyable, and it shows in our pictures. We also brought our kitty to the shoot, and she worked with us to get the cutest shots of her. Everything felt and looked so natural - we couldn't have imagined anything better. The day of our wedding, Debbie was joined by Amanda as a second shooter, and once again we were so impressed by how smoothly they were able to coordinate our big wedding party and family when it came to all our group photos.
When we received our gallery, we even had a few surprises that we didn't realize they were around to capture! With Erica’s final detailed touches on the photos, our gallery was delivered (with some special treats our kitty appreciated :)).
We are absolutely in love with how beautiful all our photos are! The Sweet Alice team delivered beyond our expectations - we appreciate them immensely and recommend them to all our friends!"
The Grandview WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography via Sweet Alice Studios lead photographer Debbie // Venue: The Grandview, Poughkeepsie, NY // Makeup: Kmissy Makeup // DJ: Valentino Entertainment
Wedding Date: September 8, 2023
Looking for a Grandview wedding photographer? Contact me so we can chat more about your big day!
